10 HEATHY HABITS TO START TODAY

1. Drink more water – This tops our list as it is one of the easiest and most important habits to change. Did you know that our body needs 2-3 liters of water every day? Hydration is important to keep your weight regulated and keep your body functions running smoothly and properly. You will be surprised to know that just keeping your body hydrated can keep diabetes at bay, keep your heart healthy and increase longevity of life. It can also impact brain health and body weight in positive ways.

2. Walk for 30 minutes each day – The American Heart Association and World Health Organization both recommend that you engage in moderate exercise for at least 150 minutes per week. This does not need to be super strenuous exercise. You can get just as much benefit from walking or other low impact activities for just 30 minutes a day - 5 days a week.

3. Switch to fresh fruit & veggies – Fresh product is high in fiber and is super good for the gut. It aids in digestion and helps with proper absorption of nutrients by the body. While eating canned or prepackaged fruits and vegetables is better than nothing, be very careful of hidden ingredients such as high fructose corn syrup, added sugar, sodium and other preservatives. Fresh is always best for optimal nutritional benefits.

4. Eliminate processed & “fast” foods – These days, we are all so busy with work and our lives that we tend to rely a lot on convenience and pre-packaged foods. 'Ready to eat' meals and “on-the-go” foods sound good for our lazy and over-worked bodies, but are in fact harming us more than we know. Even if they are labeled “fresh”, most of these foods are processed and have preservatives added, which can harm our health in the long run. Try to stick to natural food products as much as possible and avoid eating packaged food.

5. Meal planning – Planning your meals each week means you will put a lot of thought into what you (as well as your family) will have for breakfast, lunch and dinner each day. This means you are less likely to purchase impulse or unhealthy items and focus on foods that give you the nutrients you need. Scheduling your meals also means you are less likely to spend money on expensive food places for convenience or due to lack of planning. So you get a two-for-one win: you’re keeping both your body and wallet healthy.

6. Eat slower – One cause of overeating is the speed in which we do it. Chewing your food properly and thoroughly gives the brain and the gut the required time to come into action and digest the food efficiently. Also, the slower you eat, the more time your body has a chance to feel full (making you eat less)!

7. Avoid screen time in bedroom & before bed – Want to get better sleep? Avoid screens in your bedroom. Eliminating screen time before bed as well as keeping the TV, tablets and cell phones out of your room can significantly aid in getting a better rest. Read more HERE.

8. Eliminate processed sugar – Try putting that candy down and eat a piece of fruit instead! You can apply this rule to any junk food item: replace it with a healthier food choice. This is one of those simple health habits that everyone can easily adopt.

9. Brush your teeth at night too – Most of us only brush our teeth in the morning to avoid bad breath and pay little attention to taking care of oral hygiene to have shiny, healthy teeth, gums and mouth. Brushing your teeth at night will help you avoid cavities, toothache and problems like pyorrhea. Brushing teeth twice a day is essential for maintaining optimum oral hygiene and dental health.

10. Stop skipping breakfast – Skipping meals, especially breakfast, regularly can have grave side effects including weight gain, nutrient deficiency, weakness, loss of muscle, lack of energy and more. When you do not eat for too long, you may find yourself really drowsy and tired, and eventually, your body will become weak and vulnerable to diseases. You must eat all your meals properly, and try to include healthy food in them to stay fit.